Cleveland Guardians Roster
- AL Central
- Stadium
- Progressive Field
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is off to a strong start this season. In 15.1 innings so far in 2022, the reliever has pitched to a 2.93 ERA and a 2.45 FIP. He's also logged a 0.98 WHIP and has just 12 hits, five earned runs, and one home run. What's more, he's converted seven of his nine save chances and has given up just one earned run in his last 10.2 innings of work. He's entrenched as the closer in Cleveland and should continue to produce like one of the elite options at his position for fantasy managers.
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber allowed two runs, six hits, and two walks over seven innings of work against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. He also struck out 10 batters. Although Bieber was ultimately charged with the loss, Sunday's series finale represented another step in the right direction for the hurler. After all, he's just two games removed from a brutal seven-run outing in which he walked three batters. Bieber's Baseball Savant page is a bit of a concern right now; he ranks among the bottom-third of the league in most major metrics and hasn't had much effectiveness while throwing his fastball or curveball. His next couple of outings will be pivotal in terms of assessing his fantasy value, without a doubt. For now, fantasy managers should feel quite comfortable starting him in their lineups.
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Aaron Civale left with a left glute cramp during his Friday start against the Detroit Tigers. Civale fell while fielding a ball during the seventh inning. He remained in the game but only wound up throwing one more pitch before being replaced with one out in the seventh by Enyel De Los Santos. Civale was in the midst of one of his best starts of the year, having allowed just one unearned run over 6 1/3 innings of work while striking out three. The injury does not appear to be serious, leaving the door open for Civale to take his next turn through the rotation, provided he doesn't experience any setbacks.
The Cleveland Guardians have activated outfielder/first baseman Josh Naylor from the COVID-19 injured list. He is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers, but he will be available off the bench. Owen Miller will once again be starting at first base in Friday's game. Naylor has been extremely impressive so far this year. Over 20 games, he's slashing .347/.377/.611 with five home runs, 22 RBI and 10 runs. If he was dropped in your league while he was on the shelf, now is the time to scoop him up.
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (shin) has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez fouled a ball off his left shin during Thursday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds. He exited the game and underwent X-rays, but clearly there was nothing in the imaging that caused much concern. After tearing apart opposing pitchers to the tune of a 1.133 OPS in April, Ramirez has been a bit quiet at the plate so far in May. He has just one home run this month and he's slashing .189/.328/.302. Expect to see the Guardians star pick up the pace again soon.
